A baby gorilla at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was physically introduced to her mother, Imani, for the first time this morning. The baby was born at the Safari Park on March 12 after an emergency C-section was needed. Since the physical introduction occurred, Imani has been extremely attached to her infant, holding and constantly carrying around the young gorilla.

Animal care staff placed the 12-day-old gorilla on a soft hay pile and then let Imani come in to physically meet her daughter for the first time. Imani examined the young gorilla by smelling her and then picked her up, carrying and cradling her around the bedroom area, even letting the baby cling and hold onto her back as she walked around. Animal care staff let other members of the gorilla troop have visual contact with Imani and the baby through a protective mesh barrier while the introductions occurred.

Animal care staff let Imani spend some time alone bonding with her baby and then let 5-year-old male gorilla Frank come into the off-exhibit bedroom area to be with Imani and the baby as well. Imani has a special bond with Frank, as she served as a surrogate mother to him after he was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2008. Both Imani and Frank came to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park from the San Diego Zoo in January 2013.

“Initially she was just carrying the baby, she never set the baby down,” said Andrew Stallard, animal care supervisor at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “About three hours in, she began nursing the baby. After about a five-minute bout, the baby fell asleep, which is exactly what we were looking for, so we were really excited!”

The baby gorilla was observed nursing, but staff will continue to closely monitor the infant to make sure she is getting the nutrition she needs. This is the first baby for Imani and the 17th gorilla to be born at the Safari Park. The Safari Park is home to eight gorillas, including the new baby.

8 Reader Comments

Monica

Posted March 25, 2014 at 2:40 PM

I am so happy for Imani and her baby! So wonderful to see them together after all they have been through. Great job Safari Park staff! I hope all continues to go well for the troop. So does the baby have a name yet?

Monitor’s note: Thank you for your kind words, Monica. The baby has not yet been named.

Juliet Turner

Posted March 25, 2014 at 4:08 PM

I saw this reunion on the news. It was the most moving emotional sight. So loving

mya miller

Posted March 26, 2014 at 3:28 PM

I am curious if Imani will be allowed to become pregnant again or is there too much risk to her after a csection?

Public Relations responds: Subsequent pregnancies have not been discussed.

Karena Porter

Posted March 27, 2014 at 6:27 AM

Imani is a wonderful Mother. She has a sweet nature and her baby is gorgeous. It’s good that they have both done so well. They are so precious.

Breeg

Posted April 5, 2014 at 7:55 PM

I was wondering if there was going to be a naming contest or vote for the young gorilla.I think it would be fun and some people I know have been wondering too. I think it would be fun and I am sure many other people would participate in this event.
Thank you! 🙂

Safari Park responds: We have not made any decisions regarding a name for the youngster at this time.

Susan

Posted April 18, 2014 at 11:07 AM

When will Imani’s baby be named? Any news on them would be appreciated.
Monitor’s note: We should have a name for the baby soon, Susan, and a blog update as well!

Susan

Posted April 18, 2014 at 1:55 PM

Thank you for the info. Looking forward for a blog update.

CURT

Posted April 21, 2014 at 11:33 AM

“MAI TAI”, “MAI TAI”, “MAI TAI’!!!

At some time back in the 40’s there was either a baby gorilla, or a baby chimp named “MAI TAI”.

Every time that I have visited the San Diego Zoo in the past 70 years; at some time in my visit I am, once again, that 9 year old boy.

Even though the physical part of the zoo has changed some, there are portions of the zoo that will never change! You cannot change everything, particularly the energy and the fond memories.

In Tahiti the term MAI TAI means “very good”, ‘the best”, or “out of this world”.

I respectfully submit the name MAI TAI for consideration as the name for the baby gorilla.

“MAI TAI”, “MAI, TAI”, “MAI TAI”

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